Methods and Tools for Studying the Brain The

Methods and Tools for Studying the Brain

The Brain Techniques to Study the Brain A brain lesion experimentally destroys brain tissue to study animal behaviors after such destruction. Hubel (1990)

Microelectrode Techniques • Very small electrodes inserted into individual neurons • Used to study activity of a single neuron

Macroelectrode Techniques • Used to get a picture of overall activity in the brain • An example is an EEG (Electroencephalogram), which uses electrodes placed on a person’s scalp to measure an amplified recording of the electrical waves sweeping across the brain’s surface.

Structural Imaging • Can show the structure of the Brain • Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT-scan)

Structural Imaging • Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT-scan) – Uses X-rays to create a 3 -dimensional image of the brain – CT scans can often show the size and locations of brain abnormalities caused by tumors, blood vessel defects, blood clots, strokes and other problems.

Structural Imaging cont’d • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce computer-generated images – They distinguish among different types of brain tissue. – Image shows ventricular enlargement in a schizophrenic patient.

CT Scan vs. MRI • CT may be less expensive than MRI. In addition, it is less sensitive to patient movement. • CT can be performed if you have an implanted medical device of any kind, unlike MRI. • MRI contrast materials used for image enhancement have very low incidence of side effects

Functional Imaging Shows the brain working (functioning in real time) • EEG imaging – 21 Sensors on the scalp record changes in electrical activity and feed them into a computer. The computer translates them into color and motion on a map of the brain displayed on a television monitor

Functional Imaging Shows the brain functioning in real time (movies or series of images) • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) – Use radioactive glucose to determine location of greatest brain activity PET Scan of Normal Brain PET Scan of Alzheimer's Disease Brain

Functional Imaging • Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (f. MRI) – Shows function and structure by measuring movement of blood molecules within the brain – Click here

The Spinal Cord • Complex cable of nerves that connects brain to rest of the body • Carries motor impulses from the brain to internal organs and muscles • Carries sensory information from extremities and internal organs to the brain • 400, 000 people a year in US either partial or complete paralysis.

The Spinal Cord • The spinal cord controls some protective reflex movements without any input from the brain

The Peripheral Nervous System Somatic Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic Division Parasympathetic Division

The Somatic Nervous System • Consists of neurons that communicate between the body and the brain • Motor Neurons – Neurons that carry messages from the spinal cord or brain to muscles and glands

The Autonomic Nervous System • Sympathetic division – Most active when you are angry, afraid, or aroused – Increases heart rate and breathing – Stops digestion – “Fight-or-flight”

The Autonomic Nervous System • Parasympathetic division – Calms body – Produces effects opposite to those of the sympathetic division – Reduces heart rate and breathing – Restores digestion – “Rest and Digest”

The Hypothalamus Has Central Control of the ANS • The hypothalamus is involved in the coordination of ANS responses • One section of the hypothalamus seems to control many of the "fight or flight" responses; another section favors "rest and digest" activities

The Endocrine System

The Endocrine System • Controlled by the Hypothalamus • Helps coordinate and integrate complex psychological reactions • Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream • Hormones are chemical substances (similar in function to neurotransmitters) that help regulate bodily activities.

The Endocrine System • Thyroid gland – Secretes hormones (primarily thyroxin) that control metabolism • How alert an energetic or how fat and thin you are • Overactive Thyroid can mean insomnia, reduced attention span, agitation • Too little thyroxin can mean feeling constantly tired • Parathyroid glands – Control levels of calcium and phosphate which in turn controls levels of excitability

The Endocrine System • Pineal gland – Secretes melatonin which regulates the sleep-wake cycle – Disturbances in melatonin are responsible for “jet lag” • Pancreas – Regulates blood-sugar levels – Secretes insulin and glucagon

The Endocrine System • Pituitary gland – Referred to as the “master gland” because it regulates many other glands – Influences blood pressure, thirst, contractions of the uterus during childbirth, sexual behavior and interest, body growth etc. • Gonads – Ovaries and testes secrete estrogens androgens (testosterone) – We know they play a role in development, aggression and sexual drive but don’t have the whole story. • Adrenal glands – Secretes hormones in reaction to stress – Activates (via epinephrine) the sympathetic nervous system.